In this episode, host Larissa Napolitan engages with a panel of experts to discuss the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in K-12 education. Guests include Karen Castle, Director Emeritus of Professional Services at Branching Minds, Dr. Mary O’Meara is the Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District in New York, and Dr. Barbara Jenkins, A highly recognized education leader, Florida Superintendent of the Year in 2017 and a top finalist for the national title.

The conversation covers the importance of aligning MTSS with district strategic plans, the role of data in driving educational outcomes, and the necessity of collaboration among educators. The panelists share their experiences in building a comprehensive MTSS framework, fostering buy-in from staff, and the critical role of leadership in ensuring the success of MTSS initiatives. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of setting clear adoption milestones and the necessity of continuous progress monitoring in educational settings. They emphasize the need for a living strategic plan that includes regular check-ins and adjustments based on data. Finally, the speakers address the importance of discipline in educational leadership, focusing on data-driven decision-making and purposeful abandonment of ineffective initiatives.

Resources:

The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic Planning

Superintendents and MTSS Article

Superintendents and MTSS Webinar

2024 Listener Survey

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• MTSS should be integrated into the district's strategic plan.
• Collaboration among teachers enhances the effectiveness of MTSS.
• Leadership from the superintendent is crucial for MTSS success.
• Professional development is necessary for staff to understand MTSS.
• A comprehensive MTSS plan should address all student needs.
• MTSS is a long-term commitment, not a quick fix.
• Creating a culture of support benefits both students and educators. Strategic planning should include a live dashboard for tracking progress.
• Continuous improvement is essential for both student outcomes and organizational success.
• Communication plans must be intentional and clear to ensure alignment.
• Data-driven decision-making is vital in K-12 education.
• Purposeful abandonment of ineffective initiatives is necessary for progress.
• Setting clear goals helps in aligning efforts across the district.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

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Episode Description:

In this conversation, Mitch Weathers, teacher, author and creator of Organize Binder, discusses the critical role of executive functioning skills in education, particularly for middle and high school students. They explore how these skills impact student success, the importance of routines in the classroom, and the cognitive load that students experience as they transition between different educational environments. Mitch shares his personal experiences as a teacher and the insights he gained about the necessity of teaching organization and self-regulation skills to help students thrive academically and emotionally. In this conversation, Larissa and Mitch Weathers discuss the importance of executive functioning skills in education, how collective teacher efficacy can enhance student outcomes, and the balance between technology and traditional learning methods. Mitch shares insights from his book, 'Executive Functions for Every Classroom,' highlighting practical approaches for teachers to implement these concepts effectively.

Resources:

Organized Binder

Mitch’s Book: Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments

Executive Function Webinar

Executive Function Toolkit

Executive Function in MTSS

Executive Function Blog 2

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Executive functioning skills are essential for student success.
• Organization is a foundational skill that many students lack.
• Students often feel better when they are organized.
• Teaching routines can significantly aid student learning.
• Cognitive load affects students' ability to learn and self-regulate.
• Routines help reduce anxiety during transitions in school.
• Mental calories are a finite resource for students.
• Clarity in expectations can help students thrive in new environments.
• Collective routines among teachers can ease student transitions.
• Collective teacher efficacy significantly impacts student success.
• Routine and clarity in the classroom foster a safe learning environment.
• Modeling executive functioning skills is crucial for student learning.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this conversation, Larissa and Julie Miller-Johnson, Branching Minds Associate Director of Funding and Proposals, discuss the complexities of funding for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in education. They explore various funding sources, including federal, state, and private grants, and how schools can align their needs with available resources. Julie shares insights on the importance of understanding the nuances of each funding source and the necessity of evidence-based practices in securing funds. Additionally, the conversation addresses the current funding challenges faced by districts, especially in the wake of the ESSER funding cliff, and emphasizes the need for creativity and strategic planning in funding initiatives to support MTSS implementation.

Resources:

Funding Opportunities for MTSS

How Schools Fund MTSS

MTSS Buyer's Guide

Request a consultation

2024 Listener Survey

Takeaways

• Understanding MTSS is crucial for effective funding.
• Federal grants are often rooted in equity.
• State grants vary significantly by region.
• Private funding can be a viable option for smaller districts.
• Evidence-based practices are essential for federal funding.
• Grants often align with legislative initiatives.
• Successful funding strategies involve detailed research and planning. Branching Minds is an evidence-based program that meets federal funding requirements.
• Mixing and matching different funding sources can be beneficial.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this episode, Larissa discusses the pressing mental health issues faced by students today, highlighting the need for effective frameworks like MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) to address these challenges. She emphasizes the importance of integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a cohesive environment that supports student well-being. The conversation also covers the significance of assessments and progress monitoring in understanding and supporting students' social-emotional and behavioral needs.

Resources:

SEL and Behavior Article

Tier 1 Behavior Guide

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• MTSS frameworks are essential for addressing student needs.
• SEL focuses on developing healthy identities and emotional management.
• PBIS encourages positive behaviors through proactive strategies.
• SEL and PBIS can work together within MTSS.
• Behavior data can inform SEL curriculum implementation.
• Different assessments serve unique purposes in understanding student needs.
• Progress monitoring is crucial for both academic and SEL areas.
• Schools can support both SEL and behavior without choosing one over the other.
• Understanding student strengths and needs leads to better support decisions.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

Jessica Orenstein, a behavioral scientist and public health practitioner, joins Larissa Napolitan to discuss the emotional challenges students face as they transition from high school to college. As the Director of Programmatic Partnerships at The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, Jessica oversees partnerships and resources that extend JED's school-based programs and directly impact students’ everyday lives. In this conversation, Jessica emphasizes the importance of emotional readiness, the impact of societal pressures on decision-making, and the need for supportive environments so caregivers and educators can show up for students during this exciting yet stressful time. She also shares insights on recognizing signs of emotional distress in students and offers educators strategies to provide support Larissa and Jessica’s conversation emphasizes the importance of normalizing struggles, fostering resilience, and preparing students for emotional transitions, and highlights the need for schools to focus on holistic education, building independence, and developing life skills.

In this episode, you’ll also learn about JED’s Set to Go program, which offers tools to support students, educators, and caregivers in navigating these transitions effectively.

Resources:

Set To Go Resources

The Jed Foundation (JED)

JED Mental Health Resource Center

Blog: The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning in Secondary School

Guide: Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Students often feel homesickness and loneliness during transitions.
• It's important to normalize changing one's mind about career paths.
• Emotional readiness is crucial for students transitioning to college or the workforce.
• Community building is essential for student well-being.
• Supportive environments can help students thrive emotionally.
• Asking the right questions can guide students in their decision-making.
• Students should be encouraged to prioritize their emotional well-being. Students may not always ask for help, so teachers should anticipate struggles.
• Academic performance can be misleading; high achievers may also struggle.
• Focusing on the holistic side of education is crucial for student success.
• Colleges and jobs offer various resources to assist students in their transition.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this conversation, Larissa and “Coach Rudy” discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence in education, emphasizing the need for students to develop responsibility and prioritization skills. “Coach Rudy” shares insights on effective teaching methods, the importance of leadership in implementing social emotional learning (SEL) programs, and the long-term impact of these skills on students' lives. He highlights the necessity of a coherent narrative and common language across educational settings to ensure the success of SEL initiatives.

Resources:

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

"Coach Rudy" Website: https://sellaunchpad.com/about/

Social Emotional Learning in Secondary Schools

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Takeaways:

• Emotional intelligence is crucial for student success.
• Students need to learn responsibility and prioritization skills.
• Proactive skill development can change a child's life.
• Teaching should focus on explicit instruction and practice.
• Leadership plays a vital role in implementing SEL programs.
• Common language across educators enhances SEL effectiveness.
• Curriculum should be research-based and evidence-driven.
• SEL initiatives require support and resources for teachers.
• Success stories demonstrate the impact of SEL on students.
• Building emotional intelligence leads to better academic outcomes.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this episode of Schooling Around, host Larissa Napolitan speaks with Sarah Frazelle, Senior Researcher and MTSS Trainer at American Institutes for Research. They discuss the importance of early intervention in education, the role of data in decision-making, and the challenges faced by schools in implementing effective support systems. Sarah emphasizes the need for community involvement, the significance of student voice, and the importance of creating a supportive school environment to enhance student success.

Resources:

EWS Article

MTSS and Attendance Article

Early Warning System Webinar

Request a consultation

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

Takeaways:

• Every child has the ability to succeed.
• Identifying root causes of student struggles is crucial.
• Data analysis is essential for predicting student outcomes.
• Early warning systems can help intervene before students fall behind.
• Community and parental involvement are key to student success.
• Student voice should be integrated into decision-making processes.
• Creating a supportive school environment enhances student engagement.
• Teachers need to collaborate and communicate effectively.
• Less is more when it comes to data; focus on key indicators.
• Education should be a positive experience for all students.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this episode, host Larissa speaks with Krissy Martin, the director of MTSS at a school district in North Carolina. They discuss the importance of standard treatment protocols in supporting students with varying needs, the role of teachers in the MTSS process, and the significance of collaboration among educational staff. Krissy shares insights on implementing research-based interventions, the process of intensifying support for students, and success stories from her district that highlight the positive impact of MTSS. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience and continuous improvement in educational practices.

Resources:

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

MTSS Intervention Flowchart Guide

The MTSS 6 Week Check-In Webinar

​​NC MTSS Implementation Guide 2.0

Problem Solving Steps and Questions

School-Level Data Analysis Protocol (Template)

• Elementary Math Core Example
• Middle Math Core Example

Tips for Intensifying Instruction at Tier 1

Tips for Intensifying Instruction at Core - Literacy

Tips for Intensifying Core - Math

Tips for Intensifying Attendance Practices

-Elementary Sample Literacy Support Plan

Takeaways:

• Standard treatment protocols simplify the support process for students.
• There is a clear distinction between standard treatment protocols and problem-solving protocols.
• Research-based interventions are essential for addressing student needs.
• Intensifying support is necessary when students do not respond to initial interventions.
• Collaboration among educators enhances the effectiveness of MTSS.
• Success stories demonstrate the positive impact of MTSS on student achievement.
• Continuous monitoring and adjustment are key to effective inter

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!